“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.”– Ephesians 5:22 (KJV)
“For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord.”– Ephesians 5:22 (NLT)
“Wives, understand and support your husbands in ways that show your support for Christ.”– Ephesians 5:22 (MSG)
What Does Ephesians 5:22 Mean?
When we read Ephesians 5:22, it invites us to explore a topic that can often lead to heated discussions within relationships, particularly concerning marriage. In this verse, the Apostle Paul speaks directly to wives, indicating that they should submit to their husbands “as unto the Lord.” This phrase is significant. It suggests that the submission of a wife to her husband is like how she would submit to Christ. However, it’s crucial to note that understanding this verse requires us to look beyond just the word “submit” and delve into the context and spirit of what Paul is communicating.
Submission can often be misconstrued as a form of inequality or oppression. However, when we view it through a Biblical lens, we see that it is not about inferiority. Paul does not imply that wives are inferior to their husbands. Instead, it’s a call to order and structure within the marriage, a partnership where both roles are vital and necessary. There’s a greater picture at play here, as Paul discusses mutual love and respect as foundational aspects of a healthy marriage.
Ephesians 5:22 Explanation and Commentary
This verse is just a small part of a larger conversation Paul has about relationships, especially between husbands and wives. When he mentions submission, he does not promote a narrative where one partner is more valuable than the other. It’s essential to understand that what Paul is advocating here is a spirit of cooperation and support within the marriage.
In this context, it’s helpful to recall what is mentioned just a few verses earlier in Ephesians 5:21, where Paul instructs believers to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. This mutual submission sets the tone for understanding Ephesians 5:22. The concept of submitting oneself to another in love is rooted deep within the teachings of Christ. When we approach marriage with this mindset, we find a more profound sense of harmony.
This verse also sheds light on the idea of leadership within a marriage. The husband’s leadership is not meant to be authoritative or domineering. Instead, it should be reflective of Christ’s love for the church, which means serving, nurturing, and caring for one another. A husband’s leadership should be marked by love, kindness, and mutual respect.
Thus, this submission outlined in Ephesians 5:22 becomes a source of strength for the wife, who supports her husband in his role, while the husband is encouraged to love and cherish his wife. This dual role brings balance to the marriage, as they both work together to navigate life’s challenges.
Context of Ephesians 5:22
To truly grasp the meaning of Ephesians 5:22, we must understand its biblical context. Paul wrote this letter while he was in prison, providing guidance to the early church on how to live according to the teachings of Christ. Chapter 5 focuses on walking in love, walking in light, and ultimately living thoughtfully and wisely.
Before discussing marriage, Paul addresses the importance of living in love and light in the previous verses. This background sets the stage for understanding relationships. The discussion is not merely about roles but about a way of living that honors God.
When Paul addressed wives, he was speaking to a culture that often viewed women differently than we do today. His encouragement for wives to submit was also a way of promoting the dignity and respect of women in a society that had long overlooked them. By urging wives to submit to their husbands in love, he empowered them to find their place as equals in partnership rather than as mere subjects.
It’s essential to recognize the communal aspect of Paul’s instructions. He desires that the family unit reflects the relationship between Christ and the church—a relationship built on love, sacrifice, and mutual respect. When husbands and wives live out their roles according to this purpose, their marriage becomes a true reflection of Christ’s love.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Ephesians 5:22
Let’s take a closer look at the critical components of Ephesians 5:22. The first word, “wives,” immediately identifies the audience. This scripture addresses married women directly. However, it is equally relevant for husbands, as understanding this verse leads to greater appreciation for both roles in marriage.
Next is the directive: “submit yourselves.” At its core, submission is an action word. It suggests giving oneself over to another willingly, rather than through coercion. This is crucial; the submission of a wife is a voluntary act, based upon trust and respect, not a forced requirement. To submit means to place oneself under the covering or protection of another, in this case, the husband, which comes with a level of spiritual strength and decisiveness within the couple’s interactions.
Connected to this is the phrase “as unto the Lord.” This phrase carries significant weight. It illustrates that the submission to a husband should mirror a wife’s relationship with Christ. Our submission to Christ entails trust and respect. He is our guide, and in a marriage context, this implies that a wife’s submission flows from her relationship with God. It emphasizes that her act of submission is sacred and meant to reflect her faith in action.
It’s also essential to examine what this doesn’t mean. This scripture does not give a husband the right to be controlling or to abuse this position for selfish gain. Rather, it is an invitation for husbands to lead gently, love abundantly, and create a healthy environment where both partners can thrive. When both partners embody the heart of this passage, we can witness marriages that flourish and reflect the love of Christ.
Lessons to Learn From Ephesians 5:22
Understanding Ephesians 5:22 provides numerous lessons we can apply to our lives. The most prominent lesson centers around the concept of mutual respect. We have the opportunity to learn that a healthy marriage is founded on trust, love, and shared responsibilities. This single verse teaches us that both partners must be willing to contribute in ways that honor each other’s strengths.
We can also take from this scripture the idea of sacrifice. In a relationship, we should strive to uplift and support one another, just as Christ served the church. Additionally, we can recognize the need for open communication within marriage. By communicating our needs, desires, and worries, we build stronger bonds of understanding and trust.
Another pivotal lesson is that submission is a two-way street. While the focus of this verse is on wives, it sets a tone that remains relevant to husbands as well. They are called to lead with love and humility. This means that both partners earnestly seek to understand each other’s perspectives, building a relationship that thrives on cooperation rather than competition.
Lastly, we learn that our marriages can serve as a testament to the world of Christ’s love for the church. When we embody the teachings of Ephesians 5:22 and the surrounding verses, our lives become living illustrations of God’s love at work. This could have lasting effects on those around us, shedding light on the beauty of a Christ-centered marriage.
Final Thoughts
Ephesians 5:22 serves as an important reminder of the beauty of what God designed marriage to be. The call for wives to submit to their husbands should be viewed not as a harsh directive, but as a significant element of love, cooperation, and respect within the partnership. A marriage based on mutual submission and love reflects Christ’s relationship with the church, reminding us that love is a choice, an action that we cultivate daily.
As we think about our own relationships, may we strive to apply these principles to foster an atmosphere of love and understanding. For more greater insights on the topic of relationships and God’s teachings, we encourage you to explore these links: The Greatest of These Is Love and Friendship and Commitment in David and Jonathan. Together, let us grow in love, reflecting the beauty of marriage that God intended.